Collectors, Lovers & Straight-up Gawkers: Do’s & Don’ts of HK Art Week 2017
Jessica Tryde- Local Fitness Nut
All about that ART, Art, art…
Heads up Hong Kong! Major art festivals are coming your way. Which ultimately means: Brace yourself! Pretentious-Instagram-posts are coming. Whether you’re a collector, dedicated art lover or just straight-up like to gawk at fancy paintaings while murmuring the words “But is it Art?”, there’s something you’re bound to be impressed by with the upcoming shows in Hong Kong. Got a thing of high-valued show stoppers? Art Basel’s got you covered. Fancy yourself more on the modern side of Art? Art Central’s where you’ll wanna be. Happen to really enjoy contemporary from Asia? There’s no better place to be than Asia Contemporary Art Show.
Also, we’ll be giving you a few tips on how to admire art like a true art enthusiast. Or at least to not look like such a snob (it’s ok, we know you can’t help it!)
Which reminds me: just heard on the news that someone broke a 77,000 USD art piece just because he was attempting to take a selfie – PLEASE for the love of art, refrain from doing such nonsense.
First things first – pick your event!
Art Basel
We always hear such great things about Art Basel – the world’s premier Modern and Contemporary art festival held in Miami, Basel and Hong Kong. With over 242 galleries showcasing drawings and paintings to sculptures and installations from over 34 countries, you won’t want to miss this spectacle (as well as all the amateurs who try and take selfies with each and every art piece).
While your there, be on the lookout for:
Ana Prata’s oil-on-linen painting of ‘Olive’ at Discoveries
http://anaprata.net/
Liam Gillick’s ‘(Tarde) Attachments to Goods and Bads’ at Galleries
Zheng Chongbin Ink Studio at Insights
http://www.inkstudio.com.cn/
Pio Abad Silverlens at Encounters
Art Central
If Art Basel isn’t enough to satisfy your inner artist, then we’ve got Art Central for you! Held at Central Harbourfront Hong Kong against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour, this five-day programme includes everything from interactive installations to experimental performances to panel discussions. And you know what the best part is – Ovolo is the official hotel sponsor! They’ve created a mini Lo Lounge so when you need a break from all dat art, you can indulge in cocktails, savoury snacks, a recharge of your precious mobile (we told you Instagram eats up phone juice!) and a chance to enter their latest giveaway: 99 Problems But a ___ Ain’t One. The rule is simple – Name a thing or service you haven’t seen before at a hotel that you think ought to be there? Submit your answer at the booth, and enter for a chance to win a weekend getaway at the Southside!
Galleries to be on the lookout for:
Artemis Art – Kuala Lumpur
Capital Art Center – Taipei
http://artcentralhongkong.com/2017-galleries/capital-art-center-taipei/
Performances to look out for:
Face-O-Mat by Tobias Gutmann
Witness Artist Gutmann draw abstract interpretations of what he sees in faces!
http://artcentralhongkong.com/2017-program/face-o-mat-tobias-gutmann-copy-2/
Asia Contemporary Art Show
And if you’ve taken a fond interest in Asian culture and art, we’ve got the perfect show for you. The Asia Contemporary Art Show showcases a variety of sculptures and photography from some of the world’ most recognized artists including India’s Sagar Talekar who tells his story through simplicity of color and Polish illustrator Pawel Kuczynski who’s art pieces include a subtle hint of humor. Don’t think that this art show is your ordinary gallery – the doors are opened so you can interact with the creators of the art, ask the questions you’ve always wanted to, learn a little more! Even better, there will be two brand new features this year – the China Perspectives, a series of works that follow in the tradition of the Chinese contemporary art movement and Artists Projects, an exhibit bringing narrative and context to life as artists tell their stories of inspiration and motivation. Whichever you choose to discover, this art show is definitely a must-see.
http://asiacontemporaryart.com/artists/artist/Souske_Onoike/HutaHihiruVersion3/en/
Artists to look out for:
“Chinese Phoenix-circle”by Takehiro Kato, Gallery Seek, Japan, Room 4009
“Chicken” by Takehiro Kato, Gallery Seek, Japan, Room 4009
“Pink Bubble” by Simon Maarouf, Two M Art Gallery, UAE, Room 4304
“Gathering of Heroes” by Shen Jingdong, Beijing Central Art Gallery, China, Room 4307
“Beauty” by Zhang Hui, Ling Art, China, Room 4317
So if you decide to give your inner artist a chance to shine this year, here are some Do’s and Don’ts:
- DO take your camera. People this is art from around the world, so whip out your amateur-photography skills and capture your favorite pieces (only if photography is allowed).
- DON’T and I repeat, don’t try and take a selfie with every piece that catches your eyes. If you do come across a cool installation you feel might UP your Instagram game, then here’s how to do it:
Blend yourself in the installation, tilt your head slightly to the left or right and look up. Add a filter of your choice and hashtag #inspired. If you’re feeling extra authentic, than delete the filter and go #nofilter and then #inspired.
- DON’T be afraid to go alone! You never know what epiphany you might reach when admiring art tout seul.
- DO have a few drinks (when appropriate) – it’s a time to relax, let your mind wander into the depths of art.
- DON’T get trashed. That’s just down right rude.
- DO your research. If you’ve got a particular art piece you’d like to explore, do your research beforehand! And if the artist is present, DO ask questions! The more specific your question is, the most vibrant the conversation will be.
Get tickets to Art Basel here: https://premier.hkticketing.com/shows/show.aspx?sh=ARTBA0320
Get tickets to Art Central here:
https://www.ticketflap.com/artcentral
Get tickets to Asia Contemporary Art Show here:
http://asiacontemporaryart.com/tickets/main/2017_Art_Shows/SPRING_CONRAD/en/step1/
Jessica Tryde, born in Australia, bred in Taiwan, is a creative English copywriter living in Hong Kong. Her job includes whipping out creative ideas and digital executions. During her spare time, you’ll find her weight lifting in the gym, training for a gladiatorial bloodbath in a Muay Thai class or attempting to perform a yoga pose. If not working out, you’ll find her mingling with the locals at the wet market or reading at a local Hong Kong café.